Who is David Sacks? Net Worth, Crypto Investments & More

David Sacks is a tech visionary, successful entrepreneur, and a big-time investor with a track record of success in Silicon Valley. Best known as a member of the “PayPal Mafia” and an early investor in some of the biggest tech startups of all time, Sacks has cemented his reputation as a sharp business strategist.

In recent years, his influence has extended into the world of cryptocurrency and Web3, where he has voiced strong opinions on decentralization, monetary policy, and the role of cryptocurrencies in reshaping financial systems. President Trump recently appointed him the first United States crypto czar, and he is advising the current presidential administration on how best to regulate and support the American cryptocurrency industry.

As both an investor and advocate, Sacks has positioned himself at the forefront of the cryptocurrency industry, backing blockchain-based startups and engaging in debate about the future of digital assets. His perspective, shaped by decades of experience in fintech and venture capital, makes him a key figure in the evolving crypto landscape.

David O. Sacks: Summary of Trump’s Crypto Czar

David Sacks is an entrepreneur, investor, and venture capitalist, best known for his role as PayPal’s Chief Operating Officer. However, Sacks didn’t stop there, he has gone on to have a seriously impressive career and accumulated a ton of wealth along the way. He founded Yammer, which Microsoft acquired for $1.2 billion, and went on to co-found Craft Ventures, where he has backed numerous successful startups. In recent years, Sacks has become increasingly involved in the cryptocurrency space, advocating for decentralization and financial freedom while investing in blockchain and Web3 companies.

In December 2024, President Donald Trump appointed Sacks as the White House AI and crypto czar, a newly established position aimed at developing a legal framework for the cryptocurrency industry. In this capacity, Sacks also leads the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, reflecting his significant influence in shaping U.S. technology and crypto policies.

Who is David Sacks?

David Sacks is an entrepreneur, investor, and political commentator known for his early role in PayPal and later as the founder of Yammer, which he sold to Microsoft for $1.2 billion. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1972, David O. Sacks moved to the United States as a child and later attended Stanford University, where he studied economics. His career took off when he joined PayPal as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), playing a critical role in scaling the company before its acquisition by eBay in 2002.

Following his PayPal success, Sacks became a powerhouse in the venture capital world, co-founding Craft Ventures, a fund focused on early-stage tech startups. Interestingly, David Sacks is also a prominent X (formerly Twitter) user and contributes to the All In podcast with other famous entrepreneurs. He has been involved in investments across various industries, from SaaS and social media to cryptocurrency and decentralized finance (DeFi). His extensive experience in fintech and digital finance has made him an influential voice in discussions around crypto regulation, innovation, and adoption.

Before his appointment, Sacks sold his holdings in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana to avoid conflicts of interest and to avoid the appearance of profiting from his role as a crypto czar.

How Did David Sacks Begin His Crypto Journey?

So, how did David Sacks become the first crypto czar for the United States? He was chosen from dozens of other potential candidates, and he really wasn’t the favorite to win the job at the beginning. Let’s break down how it happened.

David Sacks’ interest in crypto most likely grew from his experience in fintech as a PayPal Mafia member. Having played a key role in building PayPal, one of the first major digital payment platforms, Sacks was naturally drawn to the evolution of financial technology, especially Bitcoin and DeFi. It shouldn’t be too surprising that a member of the group of people who brought us money over the internet turned out to be the first cryptocurrency czar of the United States.

While he might’ve heard about Bitcoin earlier, Sacks first became publicly interested in crypto in the mid-2010s, as Bitcoin gained mainstream attention. It didn’t take long for him to get involved and start investing. His early investments included backing BitGo, a leading institutional crypto custody firm, and dYdX, a decentralized derivatives exchange. Those two companies might not be household names, but both have turned out to be pillars of the crypto industry. Sacks saw crypto’s potential to disrupt traditional finance, aligning with his long-standing belief in alternative financial systems.

By the late 2010s, Sacks had fully embraced the crypto space, actively investing in LayerZero, Helium, and other blockchain startups. He frequently talked about Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and DeFi on the All-In Podcast, and his interest in the space seemed to continue to grow to this day. Sacks would advocate for regulatory clarity and a pro-crypto stance in the United States at a time when the U.S. government’s approach was deemed hostile. His interest in crypto and passion for all things fintech came to a head when he was named Trump’s Crypto Czar in 2024, marking a shift from investor to policy influencer.

Crypto Czar’s Investments in Tech Companies

David Sacks has founded and led several influential technology companies, playing a pivotal role in shaping the modern digital landscape. Below are some of the most notable companies he has built:

David Sacks Crypto Investments

David Sacks has built an extensive investment portfolio, backing some of the most successful startups in tech, fintech, and cryptocurrency. Through Craft Ventures, he has been an early investor in unicorns like Airbnb, Uber, SpaceX, Slack, and Affirm. His keen ability to identify promising startups has made him one of the most respected venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.

Crypto & Web3 Investments Made by David O. Sacks

Sacks has been a vocal proponent of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, investing in multiple projects that aim to reshape traditional finance. He has taken more of a venture capital style approach to investing in the space, but that isn’t to say he never bought any spot crypto tokens. David Sacks has invested in some of the most influential companies in the industry including:

Sacks’ belief in crypto extends beyond personal investments and profits. He has advocated for clearer regulations and a more innovation-friendly stance in the United States. His recent role as Crypto Czar under the Trump administration has put him at the center of federal discussions about how the U.S. should regulate digital assets. While he divested his personal crypto holdings upon taking the position, his broader involvement in shaping the future of the industry remains substantial.

Well, according to cryptorank, David Sacks’ investment is evenly distributed across four key areas: 25% in Bitcoin scaling, 25% in data services, 25% in payments, and 25% in security. This balanced allocation suggests that Sacks has strategically invested in foundational aspects of fintech and blockchain. It shows a diversified approach aimed at long-term technological and financial advancements.

David O. Sacks Net Worth

David Sacks’ net worth is estimated to be in the range of $1.5 billion to $2 billion. That said, you’re going to find a wide range of answers to that question, as some websites estimate his net worth to be as “little” as $250 million. He made most of his money due to his early successes at PayPal and Yammer and then built on that through an extensive investment portfolio. His investments through Craft Ventures have significantly contributed to his wealth, with early investments in high-growth startups turning into multi-billion-dollar valuations.

David Sacks has made money not just from tech and venture capital but also through real estate, media, and traditional investments. He sold his crypto holdings before becoming a crypto czar to avoid conflicts of interest, not because he lost faith in the market. However, some media outlets wrongly claimed he was “dumping his crypto.” Despite selling his personal holdings, he continues to influence the crypto space through his investments and advisory roles.

As a central figure in Silicon Valley and Washington’s emerging crypto policy landscape, his influence—both financial and political—will likely continue to grow in the coming years.

David Sacks and His All-In Podcast

David Sacks co-hosts the highly popular All-In podcast, which has gained massive traction among entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts. The podcast, which he co-hosts alongside Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, and David Friedberg, covers a wide range of topics, including venture capital, technology, politics, and global markets.

Since its launch, All-In has built a loyal following, often breaking into the top podcast rankings due to its candid discussions, insider perspectives, and unfiltered takes on current events. The hosts, all prominent figures in Silicon Valley, bring unique viewpoints shaped by their backgrounds in venture capital, tech startups, and finance.

Crypto has been a recurring theme on the All-In podcast, with Sacks often leading discussions on Bitcoin, decentralized finance (DeFi), regulatory developments, and the future of digital assets. The hosts frequently debate the role of crypto in the global economy, discussing topics such as Bitcoin’s status as a store of value, the potential risks of overregulation, and the impact of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Sacks, who has been a strong proponent of free-market principles and financial innovation, has used the podcast to advocate for clear and fair crypto regulations, particularly since his appointment as the White House AI and Crypto Czar.

As the podcast continues to grow in popularity, All-In has become a go-to source for insights into the intersection of technology, finance, and policymaking, particularly for those interested in the evolving crypto landscape. With Sacks playing a key role, the show has provided a platform for in-depth discussions on Bitcoin adoption, Web3 startups, and the broader implications of blockchain technology, helping shape the public discourse on digital assets.

David Sacks & His Role As United States Crypto Czar

President Donald Trump appointed Sacks as the White House AI and crypto czar at the very end of 2024, right before taking office. Trump appointed David Sacks to develop a comprehensive legal framework to support and regulate the cryptocurrency industry in the United States. It was a somewhat surprising appointment, as there were a few other people on the shortlist that the cryptocurrency industry was hoping to get into the white house. That said, Sacks proved his mettle immediately.

Fueled by his belief that cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are the future of finance and will transform our economy, Sacks continues to try and protect both American users and the American cryptocurrency industry by developing a fair regulatory framework.

However, perhaps Sacks’ biggest accomplishment since becoming a crypto czar was helping to establish the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and the Altcoin Stockpile. In March 2025, following the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, Sacks reminded Americans just how much the crypto hostility of recent years had cost them.

Well, many experts believe that the strategic Bitcoin reserve should end the U.S. government’s inefficient selling of crypto and establish a well-thought-out plan to acquire Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in a budget-neutral fashion. Not only that, it may very well start a race for other nations to acquire Bitcoin so as not to be left behind, and it could spark further growth in the price of Bitcoin.

Sacks has only been the crypto czar now for a few months, but he has already been able to help President Trump follow through on his campaign promises to the crypto industry. The current administration is already well underway with correcting the hostile regulatory environment of the last few years. Moving forward we should keep our focus on whether or not the crypto czar can assist this administration towards establishing a better regulatory framework for the future.

Conclusion: Who is David Sacks?

Since becoming the White House AI and crypto czar in December 2024, Sacks has taken steps to bring regulatory clarity to the digital asset space. He has continued to advocate for fair regulation that attracts companies to the United States while also protecting American users. For years the crypto industry has asked for a clear and fair regulatory framework to operate in the United States. The lack of regulatory clarity pushed many companies away from the U.S. and led to America losing out on potential jobs and tax revenue. The previous hostility towards crypto companies was neither good for the cryptocurrency industry, the American government, nor American citizens.

Coming from a background in fintech and a strong understanding of the benefits of free markets, Sacks continues to shape the conversation around digital assets and financial policy. His ability to navigate both the private and public sectors has made him a key influencer in the future of fintech. He is now applying that passion for fintech to the cryptocurrency industry, helping to ensure that the U.S. remains the leader for the next generation in world finance.

See Also:

• How to Get Rich Off Crypto: Methods to Make Money With Crypto
• 18 Cryptos With the Most Potential in 2025
• Who is Raoul Pal? Net Worth, Crypto Holdings, and More
• Who is Ansem? Crypto Holdings and Expert Insights

Frequently Asked Questions

References

• Sacks, David O. “David O. Sacks.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_O._Sacks.
• Business Insider. “Bitcoin, XRP, and Ether Could Be Part of a National Strategic Reserve.” Business Insider, March 2025, https://www.businessinsider.com/bitcoin-xrp-ether-national-strategic-reserve-digital-asset-stockpile-2025-3
• Craft Ventures. “David Sacks – Founder and General Partner.” Craft Ventures, https://www.craftventures.com/team/david-sacks.
• All-In Podcast. “David Sacks on Bitcoin, Regulation, and the Future of Crypto.” YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/c/AllInPodcast.
• Forbes. “How David Sacks Became One of Silicon Valley’s Most Influential Investors.” Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/.

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Alex is an analytical problem solver at heart who was naturally drawn to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency as the future of finance. He has been investing and trading cryptocurrency since 2017, and working in the industry since 2018. Alex has worked... Read More

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